Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Council Worksession <br />October 3, 2023 <br />5:00 pm <br /> <br /> <br />Present: Mayor Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas <br /> Councilmember Abdullahi Abdulle <br /> Councilmember Pam Axberg <br /> <br />Absent: Councilmember Graeme Allen <br />Councilmember Emily Dunsworth <br /> <br />Staff in Attendance: Devin Massopust, Craig Schlichting, Jennifer Fink <br /> <br />Guests in Attendance: Ted Redmond, paleBLUEdot <br /> <br />Climate Action Plan <br /> <br />Massopust stated staff would be presenting the Climate Action Plan to the Council. He commented on the <br />extensive engagement the City has done on the plan to date and explained staff was looking for some idea on <br />how they felt about the plan and how to move it forward. <br /> <br />Ted Redmond introduced himself and described the climate work he has done with cities in the Midwest. He <br />discussed how the average temperature over the past 130 years in the State of Minnesota was trending to be <br />warmer and warmer. He explained the 21 of the 23 hottest years have been in this century. He reported by the <br />end of this century New Brighton can expect an increase in the average temperature of 6+ degrees. In addition, <br />there will be 48+ days that are 95 degrees or higher and there will be changes in precipitation levels. He stated <br />by the end of the century summers in Minnesota will feel like Denison, Texas. He then discussed how this <br />projection could change if action was taken. He commented on the great opportunities that were available to <br />New Brighton. He reported how there has been efforts to reduce emissions when it comes to electricity, <br />transportation and natural gas. <br /> <br />Mr. Redmond commented on the community engagement and process that was followed to create a climate <br />action plan. He described the planning process took about 17 months to complete and done in cooperation with <br />Xcel Energy Partners in Energy (PIE). He discussed the five foundational research study documents that were <br />created by the planning team. He reviewed the data that was collected from the community noting the majority <br />of the community agree or strongly the City should take action. <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas asked that the extra equity work be spelled out within this plan. In addition, she <br />wanted to know who the six partners were that worked with the City on this project. Mr. Redmond indicated he <br />could complete this task. <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas questioned if the City had any additional engagement planned before the CAP was <br />approved. Mr. Redmond stated there was an opportunity for additional engagement and he would be speaking <br />with staff regarding this matter. Massopust indicated the CAP would be presented to each of the Commissions <br />in order to gain their feedback. Schlichting reported CERT (Clean Energy Resource Team) would be pursuing